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The Upcoming Geek Alabama Fundraiser

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So, I have posted here on Geek Alabama about what I want to do with the blog.  I am wanting to take the Geek Alabama blog to the next level.  But without hardly any money, there is not much I can do.  I am wanting to make Geek Alabama a place where you go for great news, geek and nerd information, interviews, videos, photos, recipes, and much more!  To get started, I made a video talking about Geek Alabama’s Future plans and made a video showcasing the things I do on Geek Alabama.

I have already gotten some of the future plans already going.  First off, I have done two Roadscapes videos of I-759 and Jacksonville.

And I have done two cooking videos showing you how to make cookies and cream cupcakes and pizza grilled cheese with oven french fries.

I have even gotten a chance to speak to business owners at a Calhoun County Chamber function.  But nothing has happened from that video yet.

I have had several people ask me “why do you not start a photography business?”  Well it’s simple, I don’t have the equipment needed to start one.  I would need a better DSLR camera with attachment lens.  And I would need a new and better computer to process the photos and videos I would take.  It would probably cost around $5,000 to get everything I would need.  As for the blog, I have had to turn down several opportunities like paid reviews and interviews just because this blog is hosted through WordPress.com.  So my other step would be to move this blog to be hosted through WordPress.org.  To do this, I would hire someone to move all the posts and design an awesome new website.  The only way to have local people advertise on Geek Alabama is to move to WordPress.org.

This new website and move would cost a couple thousand dollars.  Many people across Alabama and the country have come to Geek Alabama since it launched in August 2011.  I am happy I have promoted many awesome events through posts, photos, and videos!  I would do more of this across Alabama, Georgia, and the southeast if money was no issue.  I have done the Geek Alabama blog and have been unemployed for almost two years now.  Yes, I have done many events on an empty stomach and without simple things like water because I am trying to conserve money.  That’s not fun!

So, at the end, I am wanting to continue making Geek Alabama one of the top blogs in Alabama and the southeast!  To do this, I am going to need new camera and video equipment with microphones, a new and better computer, money to hire someone to redesign the blog/website, equipment to do recipes, stuff to make and put in a video background.  Most of the background stuff would be geeky and nerdy!  I have talked with The Advantage Capital Enterprise System but nothing has happened there yet.  So my next step is to start an online fundraiser through Indiegogo.

This fundraiser for $15,000 would be for all the future plans for Geek Alabama.  For people who decide to pledge money for this fundraiser, there will be some awesome perks available!  Keep in mind, nothing will be offered if the fundraiser is not successful!  You could decide to get a t-shirt from one of these three designs.  These designs are for the back of the t-shirt.

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Or you could decide to get an awesome book.   The two books I am going to offer will be great.  One would feature some of the best photos I have taken since the blog got started.  The other would showcase some of the recipes along with some road drawings!

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Look for this fundraiser to launch on Saturday.  I am partly doing this fundraiser around the time of the Alabama Phoenix Festival for one reason, because I know some people will pledge a little money to keep Geek Alabama going.  I do the Geek Alabama blog because there is a huge geek/nerd culture in Alabama, Georgia, and the southeast.  Sure, not many people thinks this, but there are many people who are geeks and nerds and they live in Alabama.  I also do this blog to prove to people that having Asperger’s Syndrome is something that does not limit you.  I think I have proven that one so far!

If I don’t get the money I need through this upcoming fundraiser or from another source like the The Advantage Capital Enterprise System.  I might be joining some people I know who are homeless and living in abandoned buildings in Anniston.  That would not be fun!  Look for the fundraiser to launch on Saturday!

 

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Kiera Wilmot Arrested; Why This Is A Blow to Science

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UPDATE: Kiera Wilmot is coming to Alabama to attend school.  Read the post here: http://geekalabama.com/2013/05/14/kiera-wilmot-is-coming-to-alabama-for-school/

This story has spread like wildfire and in the geek and nerd community, this story has put a lot of shame in schools.  On April 22nd, 16-year-old Kiera Wilmot decided to conduct a science experiment at Bartow High School.  The experiment involved combining household cleaner and aluminum foil in an eight ounce water bottle.  The chemical reaction created a pop that sounds like a firecracker and smoke.  No one was injured and no damage was caused.  Normally, this story might end with the student being given a warning.  But this story takes a dark twist.  Kiera Wilmot was arrested, yes arrested, over a science experiment.   Just in case you didn’t know what Kiera was experimenting with, here’s a video showing you.

School staff witnessed the science experiment, then her science teacher was asked if they sanctioned the project.  The teacher said no.  The responding officer, upon the suggestion of Florida Assistant State attorney Tammy Glotfelty, arrested Wilmot, charging her with possessing or discharging weapons or firearms at a school sponsored event or on school property and possessing any destructive devices.  Both counts are felonies and she will be tried as an adult.

Wilmot has also been expelled from school and will complete the rest of her high school education in an expulsion program.  The Polk County, FL school district said the incident was in direct violation of its conduct code and her expulsion will not be overturned.  Wilmot will be able to challenge her expulsion.  If nothing changes and if Kiera Wilmot is convicted.  She will be blacklisted and shunned for the rest of her life.  It’s just like a scarlet letter ‘F’ tattooed to her forehead, she will be forever branded a felon.  And for what?  A mistake in judgment?  Curiosity run amok?  Was there intent to do harm, to inflict pain or instill fear and terror?  No!

I am disgusted by the possible criminalization of a good student’s natural curiosity.  No one was harmed, no intention to harm was there.  There was no ‘discharge of a weapon’, there was a pop sound and some smoke.  People can do worse during the Summer time when grilling or sitting by a campfire.  The charges against this young lady are absurd.  I hate to bring this up; but I wonder if she was taken to Juvenile Detention and charged with a felony because she was black.  If Kiera Wilmot was white, would she even be charged?

From WTSP-TV

From WTSP-TV

High schools around the country should be encouraging kids to take chemistry class.  Sometimes in chemistry, you get a small explosion.  It’s all part of a student’s curiosity.   Students experiment and sometimes the experiment can have some interesting consequences.  Some people are wondering if this arrest is part of a pipeline where minorities are sent from school to prison in a school to prison pipeline.  I seriously think this whole situation has everything to do with the color of her skin.

This whole situation has many scientists and engineers up in arms!  All scientists and engineers have had to go through classes in high school and college and I am sure some experiments had some interesting results.  As a nation, we should be making science cool and hip.  Not threaten our potential future scientists and engineers with prison because of a small explosion.  Even at school anyone can make a mistake.  Police should not be worrying about an honor student who had a science fair experiment gone awry.  Police and officials should be worrying about kids who don’t attend school or struggle through school.

Shows like Mythbusters is making science cool.  We should be showing all kids, especially minorities and women, that science can be an rewarding career decision.  We need more minorities and women in math, engineering, technology and science, not less!  Adults are totally failing at preparing this next generation for adulthood.  Teens require guidance, instruction, and the opportunity to try out new knowledge.  Sometimes that means letting them take measured risks and helping them recover even if it was all bad.  Some communities are willing to throw a child away for stupid, silly, and unsafe antics.  Is this how we prepare the next generation of citizens, leaders, workers, and scientists?  Isn’t childhood when mistakes are supposed to be made so you can learn from them?

I hope these charges are dropped against Kiera Wilmot.  I also hope some scientists and engineers will help out Kiera Wilmot and mentor her so she can be ready for college.  If somehow this case goes all the way through court and Kiera Wilmot is convicted.  It will be a huge blow to the science community.  You might as well throw away the United States reputation as a leader in science because the police will throw you in jail if you do one simple experiment.

Sign the petition to drop the charges against Kiera Wilmot at: http://www.change.org/petitions/state-attorney-jerry-hill-drop-charges-against-kiera-wilmot

Donate money to help with the Kiera Wilmot defense fund at: https://www.crowdtilt.com/campaigns/help-keira-with-her-legal-bills-she-was-expelled-and-charged-with-felony-after-a-harmless-science-mistake/description

Hang in there Kiera Wilmot, you still have a bright future ahead of you even though some adults thinks you should be placed in jail.

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Geek Alabama’s Top Summer Movies 2013

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Today is May 1st.  That means the 2013 Summer movie season is here!  This Summer, there are some awesome movies coming out!  Of course there are several superhero movies coming out.  There are some great animated movies coming out.  And there are some sequels to some very popular movie franchises.  So here is Geek Alabama’s list of the top 11 movies you need to see this Summer!

Iron Man 3 – May 3rd

The third installment of the Iron Man franchise is already getting great praise.  After seeing Iron Man in The Avengers Movie.  Tony Stark is going to have his work cut out for him!

Star Trek Into Darkness – May 17th

The first Star Trek movie directed by J.J. Abrams was a huge hit.  No doubt the second Star Trek movie is going to rock!

Man of Steel – June 14th

It’s been a few years since the last Superman movie.  Critics are already praising actor Henry Cavill as being a great Clark Kent and Superman.

The Hangover 3 – May 24th 

The Hangover franchise has been very popular.  No doubt, many people will want to see the final installment of this series.

Despicable Me 2 – July 3rd

The first Despicable Me did very well at the box office and on TV.  Many people love the minions and I am sure many will flock to see them again!

Monsters University – June 21st

It has been 12 years since Monsters Inc. came out.  Pixar movies always does well during the Summer time.  Monsters University will be no exception!  But where is Incredibles 2?

The Lone Ranger – July 3rd

One movie genre lacking in recent years is the western.  Disney will do very well with  Armie Hammer being The Lone Ranger and Johhny Depp being Tonto.

The Great Gatsby – May 10th

Many critics are praising this movie.  This movie is based off the book and takes place in the 1920′s.  Many people will go see this movie.

After Earth – May 31st

After Earth stars Will Smith and is directed by M. Night Shyamalan.  Will Smith’s son Jaden Smith also stars in this movie!

The Wolverine – July 26th

The X-Men movies have always done well.  And having Hugh Jackman as The Wolverine will sell a lot of tickets.

R.I.P.D. – July 19th

Someone tipped me off to this movie and after I saw the trailer, I edited this post to the top 11 movies!  I think this movie will be a surprise hit!

I know some of you will say why World War Z was not mentioned.  I really don’t think the movie will do well.  Sure, it’s a zombie movie and zombies are hot right now.  But when there’s production trouble and articles coming out saying around 40 minutes had to be re-shot because the ending was Disastrous, it makes me wonder if the movie will do well.

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How To Get Around The Newspaper Paywalls

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Today, the Anniston Star joins a growing list of newspapers that are charging people to view content online.  The Gadsden Times started doing this around a month ago and they charge you $9.95 a month for online content.  The Anniston Star will charge people $13.00 dollars a month after the first month 99 cents promotional rate.  This change has created a huge backlash online on social media sites.  To me, I am not too surprised this is happening!

Newspapers all across the country have lost subscribers since the internet was created.  Many people have dropped their print subscriptions and have read the newspapers online.  So newspapers are finding ways to recoup their revenue by charging people to read online.  Some people have given up on newspapers all together because they lean-to the left as well.  The newspapers around NE Alabama / NW Georgia also does not like me Nathan Young and the Geek Alabama blog because I am competition.

Newspapers are dying, the website CareerCast named newspaper reporters as the worst job in America.  Newspaper workers across the country have been laid off.  And the workforce’s at many newspapers have shrunk through the years.  At this rate, I don’t see a future for many smaller newspapers across the country.  Sure, the big newspapers like the New York Times will always be around.  And by the way, they have a much better paywall system than the other newspapers.

Since this is Geek Alabama; I am here to show you, the average person, some ways to get around the newspaper paywalls.  The first option is to go to websites like AL.com or the TV station websites whom often tells the same stories as the newspapers for free.  Another simple way is to use a different internet browser when you reach the free article limit.  I have Google Chrome and Internet Explorer installed on my computer.  That means I can get double the free articles every month!

Have you reached the free article limit and still don’t want to pay?  I have found a very simple solution so you don’t have to pay.  To do this trick, you need Internet Explorer installed on your computer.  By the way, everyone should have two internet browser programs installed on your computer.  I have Google Chrome and Internet Explorer installed on mine!  Go to the control panel on your computer and click on Network and Internet.  Then click on delete browsing history and cookies.

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You open up the internet properties folder.  Make sure the tab is on “General”, then scroll down to Browsing History and click on delete.

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Make sure you have check-marked cookies and website data, history, and temporary internet files.  Click on delete and there you go!  I tried this and that annoying pop-up you see on the Gadsden Times website is now gone.  You have to do this every time after your free article limit is up.  So for now, I will use Google Chrome for my average internet stuff and use Internet Explorer to access the newspapers!  You have to be glad to not see a paywall pop-up!

Don't like seeing these!

Don’t like seeing these!

Before this post ends, the Anniston Star is putting a paywall on just about everything including videos and photos.  That means this fall people are going to get angry when they can’t view their high school football photos.  I have a great suggestion for TV 24!  Why not hire me and two other people who would take photos at high school football games each week during the season.  The photos would be put online for everyone to see for free!  More people will come to you instead of going to the newspapers.  It’s a win-win for everybody!

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Say NO to Fracking In The Talladega National Forest

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This is a story that refuses to go away.  The U.S. Bureau of Land Management plans to hold an open house on Thursday April 25th from 5-8 pm at the Gateway Park Lodge in Montgomery.  Notice this is being held in Montgomery, nowhere near the Talladega National Forest.  If officials really cared, this meeting would be held in Anniston where the fracking plans will affect people the most.  By the way, the Gateway Park Lodge is a 9-hole Executive Golf Course where executive suits could be making decisions and doesn’t care about the average people around them, basically it’s about money!

I have talked about the fracking issue on Geek Alabama before.  Fracking is the injection of high pressure chemicals with water to get through several layers of earth to extract oil and natural gas.  Many local people so far is against the fracking idea.  From this map below, you see the areas being proposed for fracking.

From Anniston Star.

From Anniston Star.

Some of the lease areas proposed in the map above are right next to wilderness areas.  White Plains Middle and Elementary School is right next to a lease area.  And think about this, would you like to look at the views of Mt. Cheaha and see fracking sites?  I hope not!

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The reasons why many local residents are against fracking is simple.  The people do not want harmful chemicals pumped into the ground in which it could pollute the water supply.  Some local people have no access to water pipelines and have to rely on wells for water in rural areas.  So if we are injecting chemicals into the earth are we also polluting their water sources?  These chemicals could also pollute the water supply for the entire Anniston / Oxford area.  If fracking becomes reality, you might as well kiss Anniston’s eco-tourism chances goodbye!

Many local residents are coming together against the fracking plan.  Even the Southern Environmental Law Center is threatening legal action to stop fracking in the Talladega National Forest.  If fracking becomes reality, it will bring back the memories of the PCB pollution and the chemical weapons incinerator the Anniston area has had to endure.  This area has been named the most polluted city in America by 60 Minutes.  Simply; this is a plan many people in this area do not support because we have been polluted enough.  The people want to live in a clean and healthy environment.

The question I have to ask is why is this country not looking at weaning ourselves off of oil and gas?  Most of the Millennials (or people under age 30 like me) does not care about cars any more.  We see the writing on the wall.  Gas prices are going to have a hard time going back down because of demand around the world.  And drilling more will not bring the price down much.

Millennials want to live in communities where you can walk or ride a bike to get to the store, work, or have some fun.  We also want great mass transit options, which the state of Alabama lacks.  I am glad to see the City of Anniston wanting to become a bike friendly city!  This is something that is needed to be done.  There are so many things you can do without driving in a car.  If we do not start building walkable and bikeable communities; future companies will just skip the state of Alabama.  And we will be screwed.  We need to keep our forests and environment clean and chemical free!

I hope enough pressure is put on the officials so the fracking plan in the Talladega National Forest is killed for good!  We do not need chemicals pumped into the ground!  If you want to learn more about this issue, read this article from The Locust Fork News-Journal, this is worth your time!  http://blog.locustfork.net/2013/04/fracking-in-the-talladega-national-forest-is-not-in-the-national-state-or-local-interest-2/

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Good News Fridays: Buy Boston a Round

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Geek Alabama Good News Fridays

What a week everyone!  On Monday, two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.  Three people were killed and many more people were injured.  Some people even lost their limbs.  Many first responders saved lives and helped other people during and after the attack.

Over the week, multiple law enforcement officials went all across the Boston Metro to find the people responsible.  On Thursday evening, two suspects were identified and the entire Boston Metro went on lock-down.  One of the suspects was found but died in the hospital Thursday night.  Throughout Friday, a massive search to find suspect number 2 was ongoing.  And on Friday evening, the 2nd suspect was found hiding in a boat and arrested alive!

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Now a fundraiser has been created by @yougotfossed (Sherri Ross Walters) to reward all of the first responders and police with a simple reward, a drink!

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This fundraiser is called Buy Boston a Round!  The goal is to raise $5,000 and the money will be used to buy the police, fire, medical personnel, first responders, and other heroes in the Greater Boston area a drink!  All money raised will be sent to a bar in Boston and will be used to serve the city a round.  The bar in Boston is still to be determined.  This fundraiser is to show Boston and our nation’s finest that we support them.  Right now, all first responders deserves all the praise they can get!

Let’s also not forget the victims who lost their lives while on duty or will have to live with life-altering changes.  It’s going to take a long time for the Boston area to recover from this terrorism event.  But rest assured, Boston will be stronger than ever!  I can’t wait for the 2014 edition of the Boston Marathon!

To learn more about Buy Boston a Round and to donate money go to: https://www.youcaring.com/buybostonaround

 

A.P.F. Raise Some Dough Event / Letter From Birmingham Jail 50th Anniversary

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Alabama Phoenix Festival Raise Some Dough Event at Slice Pizza & Brew

Tonight, the Alabama Phoenix Festival is hosting a special event to raise money for  Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund, Inc.  You will also get a chance to learn what will be in the Alabama Phoenix Festival this year which takes place on Memorial Day weekend in Birmingham.

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This event takes place at Slice Pizza & Brew in Birmingham on Tuesday April 16th.  10% of proceeds on Tuesday will be given to The Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund on behalf of the Alabama Phoenix Festival.  You will get to see some costumed characters and some LEGO creations.  You will also get to learn all the cool guests and activities that will be at the Alabama Phoenix Festival this year!  Best of all, you will be helping The Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund, which provides financial and educational assistance to surviving U.S. Military children and spouses affected by the Iraq or Afghanistan wars.

Also wanted to mention this, Birmingham Mountain Radio’s show Oh Brother Radio will be live at Iron City Bham every Thursday night from 7-9 pm.  Every Thursday until Memorial  Day Weekend, the radio team will choose the best dressed in costume to win a pair of passes to APF 2013!  I guess I need to find out how I can get on their show.

Learn more about the Alabama Phoenix Festival at: http://www.alabamaphoenixfestival.com/

Learn more about the The Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund at: http://www.childrenoffallensoldiersrelieffund.org/

Learn more about Birmingham Mountain Radio at: http://www.bhammountainradio.com/

Letter From Birmingham Jail 50th Anniversary

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Today is a big day in the history of Birmingham, Alabama.  On April 16th, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote the now famous Letter From The Birmingham Jail while he was behind bars.  The letter defends the strategy of nonviolent resistance to racism, arguing that people have a moral responsibility to break unjust laws.

Here’s a little history behind this letter.  On April 10, 1963, Circuit Judge W. A. Jenkins issued a blanket injunction against “parading, demonstrating, boycotting, trespassing and picketing”.  Leaders of the campaign announced they would disobey the ruling.  On April 12, 1963, King was roughly arrested with Ralph Abernathy, Fred Shuttlesworth and other marchers—while thousands of African Americans dressed for Good Friday looked on.

King was met with unusually harsh conditions in the Birmingham jail.  An ally smuggled in a newspaper from April 12, 1963, which contained “A Call for Unity”: a statement made by eight white Alabama clergymen against King and his methods.  The letter provoked King and he began to write a response on the newspaper itself.  King writes in “Why We Can’t Wait”: “Begun on the margins of the newspaper in which the statement appeared while I was in jail, the letter was continued on scraps of writing paper supplied by a friendly black trusty, and concluded on a pad my attorneys were eventually permitted to leave me.”

The letter was published in publications such as the New York Post Sunday Magazine,  Liberation,  The Christian Century, The New Leader, The Atlantic Monthly, and in King’s book “Why We Can’t Wait.”  Alabama has made huge strides since the 1960′s in the terms of racism and segregation.  This is a moment of history we can never forget!

Read the entire letter at: http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/resources/article/annotated_letter_from_birmingham/

Watch this video with Dr. King’s voice reading some of his letter below.

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The Boston Marathon Bombings

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Today is a very sad day in America and in the world of sports.  Two bombs exploded around the finish line at the Boston Marathon.  The bombings took place around two hours after the winners crossed the finish line.  Police and the FBI are calling this a terrorist attack and this attack was a ”sophisticated, coordinated, planned attack.”  As of right now, no one knows if the attack was from a foreign source or a U.S. based source.

Here are videos showing the explosion from The Boston Globe.  Warning, these videos might be disturbing to some people.

Here is one photo that describes the situation perfectly.

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To see more photos from the bombing, click on the link from The Atlantic.  Warning, some of these photos are graphic!

http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2013/04/photos-of-the-boston-marathon-bombing/100495/

Here are two numbers that can help.  For info. on family and loved ones in the area: call (617)635-4500, that’s the Boston Mayor’s hotline.  If you have any information to share with authorities on any of these incidents: call (800)494-TIPS.

If you need to contact someone in the area, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has suggested trying to reach loved ones via text messaging because of crowded phone lines.

Google and the Red Cross have set up pages so people can let loved ones know they are okay.  Click on the links to reach them.

http://google.org/personfinder/2013-boston-explosions/

http://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php

I wanted to talk about my thoughts about the bombings today.  Today, someone did something stupid.  This person wanted to harm what is one of America’s greatest marathons that takes place in Boston each year on Patriot’s Day.  The person or persons who planted these bombs are cowards who have no respect to other people.  They only did this to get some attention.

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As of 7 pm central on April 15th, around 115 people are injured and 3 people are killed.  One of the 3 killed was an eight year old child.  Us Americans needs to pray tonight and think about the victims and loved ones who are affected by this tragedy.  We also need to pray and send our thanks to the first responders and citizens who jumped in to help those in need.  There were even reports that some runners crossed the finish line and went straight to the hospital to give blood to victims.  These are heroes in my book!

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Obama ended his address to the nation today by saying, “We will find out who did this, and we will hold them accountable.”  These cowards will be found and will be brought to justice.  The victims are going to have a long road ahead of recovery.  Some of the pictures I saw included people with limbs missing.  Over the next few days ahead, I am sure we will see requests for donations.  I hope you can give a few dollars to help the victims.

One more thing, Nathan Young and the Geek Alabama community encourages you to take a little time tonight to hug, hi-five, talk, cry, laugh, or whatever you do to share love for those you care about.  Enjoy some time with your families tonight and stay away from the news coverage.  This will be the last post for tonight on Geek Alabama, more posts will come on Tuesday!

Before I go, I wanted to share this video from Fred Rogers.  He talked about advice to give to kids after major events like this.

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Inside The World’s Smallest Cycling Track

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With the Noble Street Festival a week away here in Anniston Alabama.  I thought this video would serve as some inspiration to get you ready for all the cycling action that will be happening on Saturday April 20th!  Last March, filmmaker Michael Tapp went to a dilapidated church in Brooklyn, New York.  Inside this church is a cycling track.  This cycling track is the world’s smallest cycling track!  Called the Red Bull Mini Drome, this track is basically a condensed version of a velodrome.

With space being limited in New York City, the organizers put together something that many people are falling in love with!  In the video below, you will see how hard it is to stay on this small cycling track.  Enjoy the video!

And for the folks wondering about the Noble Street Festival, click on the link to learn more! http://www.noblestreetfestival.com/  Here’s a video about the festival!

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We Lose Seeing The Blue Angels Grounded

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I love seeing the Navy’s Blue Angels perform.  I have seen them several times as a kid and while in high school I got to meet several of the flyers up close at NAS Pensacola.  We got to go onto the airfield and watch them perform over the airfield!  Then we got to watch them depart their planes.  Meeting them in person is something everyone should do in their lives!  Sadly, the Blue Angels are going to be grounded for the rest of 2013.  Also the Air Force’s Thunderbirds will be grounded for the rest of 2013 as well.

The Blue Angels will only fly 11 hours per month to maintain proficiently and to keep pilots at a safe, efficient level.  When they do fly over NAS Pensacola, they will not fly in formation.  The 11 hours per month of flying time is the same amount allowed to Naval air forces on deployed aircraft carriers.  The Blue Angels will still do promotional events like visiting people and doing autograph sessions.  But any flying will be cut out for 2013.  For fans of the Blue Angels, you will have to enjoy these videos instead.

The cancellation of all air shows is going to have a severe economic impact in the Pensacola area.   Each year, the Pensacola Beach Air Show draws many tourists and pumps over $2 million into the economy.  Pensacola officials are meeting to see if they can find $1.2 million dollars so the Blue Angels can perform at the Pensacola Beach Air Show this Summer.  Other communities that had the Blue Angels scheduled are also trying to raise money so the Blue Angels can perform.   I hope the Blue Angels have the opportunity to perform at least one show during 2013.

So why are the Blue Angels grounded for 2013?  Congress and the President could not agree on a budget and sequestration took effect.  The military had a budget cut and they had to start cutting out things not essential to the U.S. Military.  In Anniston, hundreds of workers were laid off from the Anniston Army Depot.  And the military had to cut out all air shows to save money.  Something most geeks and nerds don’t get is why Congress, the President, and the people can’t agree on anything!  People fight and fight over all issues and people have lost the art of compromising.  Some people needs to get this, compromising is not a dirty thing.  I believe we all need to start compromising more!

The U.S. Navy Flight demonstration team, the B...

The Blue Angels, The Thunderbirds, and other flying acts are great recruitment tools for the U.S. Military.  Air shows not only have cool airplane shows.  They let the public tour and get up close to many unique airplanes.  Air shows are also great recruitment tools for kids and adults and they can inspire kids!  Sadly, opportunities for education and outreach are lost for 2013.  The kids lose an opportunity for hands-on discussions with Americans who are living their dreams.  These opportunities are incredibly important for inspiring our youth to pursue STEM careers such as engineering and science/technology research.

If you want to see the Blue Angels and The Thunderbirds flying in 2014, everyone has to get the courage to VOTE OUT all incumbent lawmakers at the next election.  People also needs to stop getting all of their news from one news source.  That’s why I love being a geek and nerd.  I get my news from multiple sources from the left and right every day!  Average people need to do that too!

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